The hurricane has had a profound impact on the five boroughs ofNew York City, particularly Staten Island, as well as much of NewJersey, Long Island and Connecticut. As I write this article onSaturday, Nov. 3, I have been told that our home will not havepower restored until after Election Day as they are focused ongetting the polling venues up and running as a major priority.

I predict that both the short- and long-term economic impact ofHurricane Sandy will be greater than 9/11 and have implicationsthat are far-reaching in terms of human suffering, future deficitsand our thoughts and hopes for the United States of America.

Hurricane Sandy lays bare both the best and most mediocrebehavior. The first responders still slog through muck to helpfamilies whose lives have been changed forever – defining the bestin humanity. Individual heroes reaching out to wade through chesthigh water to save a sole taxi driver trapped in his taxi or ablind woman bringing food and hope to ravaged Staten Islandcommunities on her own, with no organizational support behindher.

I was struck watching a press conference at the mouth of aflooded Battery Park tunnel. A gaggle of elected officials engagedin a series of self-congratulatory speeches and mugged for thecameras. At completion, they all dashed into the safety of theirrespective security details to the next photo opportunity. I guessthey would explain that they were trying to reassure themasses.

However, this time let's remember the true leaders and acts ofkindness. The images of a distraught woman grabbing a televisionreporter expressing incredible frustration that she had not seen aRed Cross person or governmental official since the whole eventunfolded. She had no home, clothing or food and no idea where to goor what to do. She was not as fortunate as my family who werewelcomed unconditionally into the home of our dear friends.

Counter balance that scene with President Obama's comments toGovernor Christie that he instructed his entire Cabinet to respondin 15 minutes to any call for help. We have no gasoline, so workerscannot get to work. Tankers can't get into the ports and have beendiverted south. I am told that this will delay not only energyshipments, but retail and household goods and technology items forthe holiday season. As one friend of mine astutely noted, HurricaneSandy just destroyed the holiday shopping season. These unexpectedexpenses are the Grinch that stole Christmas.

The mayor's initial decision to run the marathon in the City wasboth interesting and extremely callous. The New York Postphoto featuring the generators for the race in Central Park whichhad the potential to warm 400 homes was incredibly maddening. Theseare stark reminders of the priorities we have established as acommunity. It was not until the mayor heard the outrage coming fromsocial media and cries of despair from people in need, that hereversed his decision to hold the marathon. Governor Cuomo'sassertion that there is no need to panic shows a lack ofconnectivity to the reality to the many people who have beenwithout power, energy and heat.

The reality in business and in life requires being there. Thisevening, I had dinner with a family friend who volunteered her timeto help Staten Island victims clean out their homes. They expressedincredibly frustration at being forgotten by the government, RedCross and other people in authority. Our friend said it was onething to see it on television and another completely differentthing to be there in person. In leadership, whether it's a memberexperience or a member problem, it's important to feel it on theground. A good lesson for us all.

Here are some things to watch for. The economic impact of thishurricane has the potential to be more costly in economic termsthan 9/11. Remember close to 70% of our country's GDP is driven byconsumer spending. Watch Christmas sales. We are now in November.This month can determine the sustainability and continuity of manyorganizations. Confidence will drop driven by our mediocre leadersand their decisions. A close friend who runs a terrificmanufacturing firm is under incredible stress based on retailbuying patterns. His firm is responsible for providing 1,500 jobs.Heads up. people. The winter is fast approaching. Mediocrity shouldnot be acceptable or tolerated in a crisis.